Rodney Stuart Clark passed away on August 21, 2026, at his home in Champion, NE, surrounded by family. Rod was born January 14, 1942, in Seattle, WA, to Donald and Virginia (Weed) Clark.

Rod grew up in the Wichita, KS, area, later moving to Denver, CO, where he attended school until his sophomore year. Fiercely independent, Rod left school early and began his working career. Initially, Rod worked as a baker, making square donuts, and later landed a job at the first McDonald’s in the Denver area. Taking pride in his work, Rod perfected the proper way to flip burgers. The current machine technology used by McDonald’s imitates Rod’s technique.

While living in Denver, Rod met the love of his life, Janice Swink, at a bowling alley. Janice was brought there to meet Rod’s brother, only to be driven home by Rod. After this chance encounter, Rod arranged to go on a date with Janice, only to stand her up later. Believing in second chances, Jan gave Rod another shot and agreed to go to a drive-in movie theater—a show that ended up lasting for 64 years.

Eventually, Rod began working as a mechanic and later started his own trucking company, hauling mobile homes across the United States. A “jack of all trades” in the truest sense of the word, Rod was always eager to find work and excelled at most things. Whether he was selling cars, digging sewers, cooking, moving dirt, or driving a truck, Rod could do it—and did it well.

Later, Jan and Rod settled in the Champion Valley to raise their children. When he was not on the road, Rod could be found riding motorcycles, fishing, hunting, or working on cars. He loved to dance and was also an award-winning Elvis impersonator. But the most important thing to Rod was spending time with Jan and his girls, also known as his “little darlins.”

For a brief time, Rod also helped manage the Sweden Crème in Imperial, forging relationships with staff that lasted a lifetime. Rod welcomed employees into the business and treated them like family because they were a part of the family.

Rod will be remembered for his patience, his loving nature, his mechanical mind, and his sense of humor. He will forever be Uncle Rod, Grandpa Clark, an exceptional “girl dad,” and a wonderful husband.

Rod is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jan; his girls, Christy Boggs, Carrie Knoetzel, Colinda (Carmine) Nappa, and Candy (Joe) Barnes; his sister, Dee Van Poollen; his brother, Steve Clark; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Steve Knoetzel; grandsons, Joe and Stu Knoetzel; and his brothers, Stan and Rick.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. (MT) Thursday, August 27, at Champion Church, with viewing one hour prior. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com.

Liewer Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements